BBG Networks Providing Critical Coverage of Crisis in Iraq

Violence is quickly escalating in Iraq, and the networks of the Broadcasting Board of Governors are bringing important news and information to the region.

Alhurra-Iraq has more than 20 journalists throughout the country and is providing live updates from hotspots including Kirkuk, Irbil and just outside the city of Mosul in Kalak. The daily newscast Iraq Today was expanded to two hours, and the network aired President Obama’s June 13 remarks on Iraq live with simultaneous translation. Alhurra-Iraq was the only Arabic channel to carry June 13th Pentagon briefing live.

The network’s daily talk show In Iraqi is featuring interviews with analysts and Members of Parliament as they address the security situation and the government’s response to terror group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). Free Hour examined the future of the confrontation and the need for international involvement with several guests including Pentagon Spokesperson Col. Steven Warren.

Radio Sawa has a dedicated stream to Iraq, and key newscasts have been expanded as needed to provide Iraqi listeners with the latest details on the ISIS surge. Radio Sawa’s journalists are covering the developments from throughout the country. Special reports have examined security in Nineveh; featured interviews with Members of Parliament, the Iraqi Ambassador to the U.S. and representatives of local governments, including the Mayor of Samara; and looked at the displacement of Iraqis as the move out of the Mosul region. Radio Sawa has also broadcast statements from President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry with U.S. reaction to the situation, including a live broadcast of the June 13 press briefing by President Obama in which he stated the U.S. would not be sending troops to Iraq.

The Iraq section of Alhurra.com and RadioSawa.com’s websites are also providing objective coverage of the escalating security crisis. In addition to broadcasting updates, analyses and background reports from Alhurra-Iraq and Radio Sawa’s Iraq stream, the websites are also utilizing videos from citizen journalists and eye witnesses, in addition to the reports from MBN correspondents.